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About University of Galway
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Accessibility & LanguageNews
Current Progress Of The Project
SEAI National Energy Research and Policy Conference 14/09/2023
Our team member attended the 2023 SEAI Energy Conference and our poster entitled “Optimising Energy Efficiency Potentials and Compliance in Wastewater Treatment: The ACET Framework” was presented.
Recent Article Published in Engineer Ireland Explores Real Time Control for Energy Savings in WWTPs
Our team of researchers has recently published an article in Engineer Ireland (03/07/2023), delving into the potential of real-time control (RTC) strategies for energy savings in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The article highlights the current energy consumption challenges faced by WWTPs and emphasises the need for improved control systems to optimise operations and reduce energy wastage. The research presented in the article provides valuable insights for engineers and professionals in the field, highlighting the potential of RTC strategies to revolutionise energy savings and improve overall performance in WWTPs.https://www.engineersireland.ie/Engineers-Journal/Civil/real-time-control-progressing-towards-energy-neutrality-in-wastewater-treatment-plants-through-energy-efficient-practices
Tuam Wastewater Treatment Plant Undertakes Measures to Enhance Efficiency and Performance
In a recent visit to the Tuam wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) on May 19, 2023, ACET research team members from the University of Galway (UoG) sought to gain understanding and operations of the facility. The aim of the visit was to evaluate the historical aeration system performance and current performance, with a specific focus on electricity consumption and efficiency. The team gathered vital information on the plant's processes and aeration system upgrades.
During discussions, it was revealed that Tuam WWTP had transitioned from surface aeration to Fine Bubble Diffused Aeration (FBDA) in late 2019/2020, resulting in a notable reduction in ammonia levels and improved treatment efficiency. However, the team highlighted the need for further analysis and data collection to comprehensively assess the FBDA system's performance and electricity consumption.
These efforts towards enhancing efficiency, electricity savings, and treatment performance at the Tuam WWTP underscore the commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible wastewater management. By implementing improved monitoring systems, upgrading equipment, and conducting regular effluent analysis, the plant may achieve higher levels of treatment efficiency and energy saving. ACET project is a collaboration between industry and third-level research which is strongly needed in order to develop innovation in the water sector that can be rapidly adapted by the public and private sectors. The scientific impact of the research work will be important on an international stage. The control strategies proposed in ACET are unique in taking a holistic WWTP-wide view on control-based efficiencies and in particular in implementing machine learning, statistical modeling, and life cycle tools. The work will be particularly high impact given the scale of the demonstrations being proposed.
Collaborators Meet to Discuss Real-Time Control Strategy for Energy Saving in Wastewater Treatment: Towards a Holistic Approach
Depletion of one of the world's most significant natural resources, water, is unavoidable with an ever-increasing global population and the resulting growth in industrialisation and agricultural practices. The best way to save this natural resource is through water reclamation and reuse. The last ten years have seen a rise in the use of satellite water reuse plants (WRP), which are smaller, decentralized wastewater treatment facilities. Reuse plants need less space and have tougher requirements for the quality of their effluent. They also need more sophisticated treatment methods and extra treatment techniques. This significantly increases the energy consumption of a process that already consumes a lot of energy, highlighting, even more, the connection between energy use and wastewater treatment. the use of non-renewable energy sources and the consequent greenhouse emission. To this end, the collaborators in the adaptive control for energy efficiency in wastewater treatment (ACET) collaborators met on Wednesday 28th of September to discuss the holistic approach toward the realisation of energy saving in wastewater treatments through a real-time control strategy. Issues regarding the systematic and critical literature review table of contents were discussed and agreed on.
The team monthly meeting is held on the last Wednesday of every month.
